Superlux HD681

The Superlux HD681 represents some of the top sound quality performance at this price available in the headphone industry. Competing against --- and handily beating -- many other more expensive headphones, the Superlux HD 681 is a marvel of great value meeting top audio detail resolution power. Durably well-built and sweet-looking to boot, the Superlux cans are impressive stuff and recommended for audio pros, music-loving collegians and starter audiophiles!

What We Think: We weren't really expecting much from the Superlux HD681 headphones -- until we heard them. Sure, the bare-bones shrink-wrap packaging may leave something to be desired to the eyes but its the ears that will tell the tale of unexpectedly great sound emanating from these highly affordable headphones. The full-size around-the-ear earpad coverage, looping headband structure and semi-sealed earcup design may remind of the classic K240 look, but with a bit of additional low-end response present in the mix when compared to the traditional AKG tonal presentation.

The Superlux HD681 also brings good focus and intelligibility to the midranges and vocal regions, all the more shocking for a headphone at this price. Although perhaps a bit bright in the upper highs, that could be considered a small quibble given the fabulous low cost of these all-around utilitarian cans. Designed ostensibly for pro studio and monitoring applications, the HD681's efficient 32 Ohm impedance also equally suits portable and mobile iPad/ iPod / MP3 / computer listeners, even without a headphone amp along for the ride.The Superlux HD681 headphones are true 'around-the-ear' cans with a non-detachable single-sided cable design. The earcups and headband assembly features nifty red color accents around the rims making for some nice, albeit un-flashy sprucing up of the cosmetics.

The earcup construction is 'semi-sealed' so expect only mild-to-moderate attenuation of ambient noise. The advantage of the semi-sealed earcup is it does protect against headphone audio 'leakage', a critical trait if doing any close-mic vocal tracking or studio work. The Superlux HD681 headphone cord extends about 8ft and comes terminated to a 3.5mm 'mini' plug; a full-size 1/4' stereo adapter plug is contained in the Superlux package along with soft travel pouch / storage bag.

Specifications:

Driver Type: Dynamic

Impedance @ 1kHz: 32 ohms

Sensitivity: 98 dB SPL/V

THD+N:

Isolation: -10dB ~ -15dB

Connector Type: 3.5mm (1/8")

Cable Length: 9ft

Cable Style: Straight Left-Side

Weight: 9.7 oz.

Manufacturer Warranty: 1 year

Product Features:

Killer sound, perhaps tops at this great price

Comfortable full-size 'around the ear' circumaural coverage

Studio design efficient enough for use with iPod, MP3 players and portables